Guide member and a drive unit assembly using the same

Abstract

One or more guide members for use within a drive unit assembly of a vehicle. The one or more guide members have a body portion with an outer peripheral surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion interposed between the first end portion and second end portion. The intermediate portion of the one or more guide members have a first angularly bent portion defining a first extending portion and a second extending portion extending outward therefrom. The body portion of the one or more guide members have one or more shaft receiving portions therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 844,485 filed on May 7, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 847,518 filed on May 14, 2019, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates to an axle assembly for use in a vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]An anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps ensure that a vehicle stops effectively and safely without skidding when braking. Anti-lock braking system typically include ABS sensors. The ABS sensors are typically located on the exterior of axle assemblies as a 4-channel ABS brake sensor assembly. This particular arrangement is undesirable as the ABS sensors are exposed and are easily damaged when the vehicle is in operation or being worked on by a mechanic. Additionally, this arrangement is undesirable as the build-up of dirt and / or debris on the ABS sensor a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a guide member for an axle assembly. The guide member has several features including shaft receiving portions to help position an axle half shaft, lubricant guide portions to direct lubricating fluid to different parts of the axle assembly, and a shaft engagement to keep the axle half shaft in the correct position. These features help prevent damage to the axle assembly and improve its performance.

Problems solved by technology

This particular arrangement is undesirable as the ABS sensors are exposed and are easily damaged when the vehicle is in operation or being worked on by a mechanic.

Additionally, this arrangement is undesirable as the build-up of dirt and / or debris on the ABS sensor assembly and / or exposure of the ABS sensor assembly to the environment and moisture tends to reduce the overall sensitivity of the ABS sensor assembly.

This presents many difficulties as the tone ring needs remain undamaged as the axle half shaft is inserted through the tone ring.

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